The Counter Intelligence (CI) wing in Amritsar has dismantled a Pakistan-linked narcotics and arms smuggling module, arresting three key operatives and recovering a cache of sophisticated firearms, heroin, and drug proceeds. This intelligence-led operation, part of the ongoing crackdown to ensure a secure and drug-free Punjab, marks a significant blow to cross-border criminal networks.
Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of Sarabjit Singh of Saanke village (Ferozepur), Kulwinder Singh of Langiana village (Ferozepur), and Ashmandeep Singh of Railway Road (Tarn Taran). The trio was apprehended near Railway Road in Tarn Taran while attempting to deliver a consignment of contraband via a Splendor motorcycle (PB05-AT-1664).
The seizure includes eight sophisticated pistols — three 9mm Glock pistols, three .30 bore Chinese pistols, and two PX-5 pistols — along with one kg of high-purity heroin and Rs 2.9 lakh in drug money. A currency counting machine was also recovered, highlighting the organized and professional nature of the operation.
Initial investigations revealed that the accused were operating under the command of Sikandar Noor, a Pakistan-based smuggler and resident of Manihala village in Pakistan. Noor, according to DGP Yadav, has been using drones to drop weapons and narcotics into Indian territory, particularly in border districts like Ferozepur and Tarn Taran.
“These arms were not just meant for circulation but were to be supplied directly to gangsters operating in Punjab, thereby fueling organized crime and further destabilizing law and order,” the DGP said. “This module was part of a larger network aimed at pushing arms and drugs through drone drops, which are becoming an increasingly used modus operandi by Pakistani handlers.”
CI Amritsar had developed specific intelligence about a planned retrieval of drone-dropped consignments in border areas. Acting swiftly on this tip-off, a dedicated team intercepted the accused before the handover could take place. The arrests and seizures occurred in a meticulously coordinated operation in Tarn Taran, moments before the suspects were to deliver the consignment.
The DGP lauded the CI Amritsar team for their prompt action and operational precision. “This bust has not only prevented a significant delivery of narcotics and weapons but also cut off a critical supply line meant for criminal syndicates in the state,” he said.
